Spanish press react to ‘frightening’ Manchester United star performance v Barcelona
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford continued his remarkable run of form with a superb performance at the Nou Camp.
Rashford scored one and had a key hand in another as United earned a 2-2 draw against Barcelona, with the team unlucky not to win.
The striker became the first United player since Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole to score against Barcelona at the Nou Camp, and a big challenge awaits in a week’s time when the second leg takes place at Old Trafford.
Rashford caused Barcelona serious problems and he will be determined to finish the job at Old Trafford in a week’s time.
Spanish press react to Marcus Rashford
The Spanish media only had positive words to describe Marcus Rashford’s performance, with the Manchester United forward embracing the big stage.
Marca described Rashford as ‘frightening’, lauding his impact and asking whether United can hold onto him.
Their report writes: “Rashford is in the type of form that could see another rich club come to United with a blank chequebook and take the English striker. His numbers are frightening and the feeling he left at the Camp Nou is that of a striker capable of changing a game on his own. He shook the entire Barcelona defense and was pivotal to both United goals.”
The newspaper also noted how Erik ten Hag outwitted Xavi, who moved Ronald Araujo the full-back position to try and combat Rashford, who started through the centre.
Mundo Deportivo also reflected on a flawed tactical plan, writing: “The defensive design to stop Rashford did not work, since the United striker was the best of the Manchester team and participated in the two goals that in just seven minutes turned the game around.”
An editorial in Spanish newspaper Sport also praised Manchester United’s number 10, commenting: “Currently it is practically impossible to mention a footballer who is more plugged in than Marcus Rashford.”
Rashford now has 30 goal contributions for the season, with 22 goals and eight assists. There are hopefully a lot more to come.
Erik Ten Hag addresses Man Utd takeover talk ahead of ‘big game’ against Leicester City
Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as Man United boss Erik ten Hag talks about takeover speculation and whether or not it is distracting his team ahead of Sunday’s game
Manchester United will not be distracted by takeover talk when they host Leicester City on Sunday.
That’s according to manager Erik ten Hag, who has spoken in his pre-match press conference about the process and how he is keeping his team focused on the task at hand.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag during his side’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg match against Nottingham Forest (Image: Tim Goode/PA Wire.)
United are flying high in the Premier League, currently third in the table behind Manchester City and Arsenal. Leicester, meanwhile, are looking to build on back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
For Sunday’s hosts, a potential takeover is the talk of the town, with today (Friday) the deadline for bidders to make their move. Speaking before the match, Ten Hag insists that, while his players and staff are following the situation, it is not a distraction from the match.
“We are following it,” Ten Hag said. “It’s our club and of course we are committed. But we are focusing on football, on training and our way of play, on games. That is what we are focusing on.
“We are really enjoying in the moment with the togetherness. It’s enjoyable to work. We are focusing on games and we have four leagues, so others in the club will have to take decisions, give efforts in the process but it’s not up to us.”
Asked about the busy fixture schedule with Premier League, Champions League and League Cup games, Ten Hag added: “The players in our squad like it. “They like it. They like to play big games and they know also as a team and as individuals that you grow from such games.
“Today we are better players, a better team, so that will help us in our process. We are in the right direction, so we have to keep this process going. “We will analyse again, we will criticise, what went good, what went wrong and we move on. Sunday next game, next big game.”
Source: leicestermercury.co.uk; unitedinfocus.com
